AQA English Literature

GCSE Year 11 Specification Checklist

GCSEs; both will be graded from 1–9 with 9 being the highest award. The courses are completely

exam based with exams for both subjects at the end of the two year study period. There are no

tiers of entry.

AQA 8702 English Literature

Component 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel

Exam duration 1 hour 45 minutes 40% of total GCSE

Overview of content

Study a Shakespeare play (Macbeth) and a 19th century novel (A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens)

Develop skills to analyse how the language, form, structure and context of texts can create meanings and effects.

Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.

Overview of assessment

Section A – Macbeth: a two-part question, with the first task focused on a short extract. The second task is focused on how a theme reflected in the extract is explored elsewhere in the play.

Section B – A Christmas Carol: a two-part question, with the first task focused on a short extract. The second task is focused on how a theme reflected in the extract is explored elsewhere in the novel

Closed book (texts are not allowed in the examination; extracts are provided)

Component 2: Modern texts and poetry

Exam duration: 2 hours 15 minutes 60% of the total GCSE

Overview of content

Study a modern text and a poetry collection: Power and conflict from the AQA

Anthology

Develop skills to analyse how the language, form, structure and contexts of texts can create meanings and effects.

Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.

Develop comparison skills.

Overview of assessment

Section A – An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley: a choice of 2 different questions on a set text.

Section B – One question: one comparing two poems from the Anthology.

Section C – Two questions analysing an unseen poem and a question comparing two unseen contemporary poems.

Closed book (texts are not allowed in the examination; extracts are provided)